A shop owner has told how he fought back against teenage robbers who brandished a meat cleaver - by waving his CCTV camera in their faces.

Three youths walked into the Corner Shop in Garsington Road, Cowley, Oxford, with their faces covered with scarves and hoodies on Wednesday. They waited until the shop - which is near Cowley Police Station - was empty, then one of the youths approached the counter holding a meat cleaver by his waist. He demanded shop owner Gordon Hackett empty the till and hand over the cash.

When Mr Hackett told them there was nothing in the till because it was 8.45am the would-be robbers demanded cigarettes. The 64-year-old turned his back and grabbed a CCTV camera then pointed it at one of the teenager's faces.

All three ran off and slammed the shop door behind them. Mr Hackett said: "I could see he had a meat cleaver, but he held it low down the side of the counter.

"I said 'I haven't got any money' which wasn't the truth and they said we'll have all your cigarettes then. As soon as I came back up with the camera they had scarpered.

"In a matter of minutes or so the police were here while I was still on the phone to them.

"I did not have time to be afraid. If I was here on my own after, I might have been a little shaken but the police were here straight away.

"This is the reason I got CCTV in here. Nothing like that has happened before but we get a few problems with kids and people trying to snatch cash from the till."

Mr Hackett added the teenagers faces were completely covered with scarves and hooded tops which only revealed their eyes.

Two customers were inside the shop when the youths first walked in but left before one of them pulled out the meat cleaver.

Dc Leila Kennett said: "This occurred at a busy time and I am sure there are people out there who may have seen something that could help police."

Anyone with information is asked to call Dc Kennett via 08458 505505. Alternatively, call the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111.

Three youths, aged 15, 16 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery.

They have been released on police bail until November 27 pending further inquiries.